North Georgia Eyes Upsets in GHSA First Round

The road to the Benz starts Friday night, and four North Georgia programs — Lumpkin County, Gilmer, Fannin County, and Pickens — are ready to represent the mountains against tough first-round foes from across the state.

Here’s how each matchup stacks up — and how our local teams can pull out victories.

Lumpkin County Indians at Calhoun Yellow Jackets

Preview:
The Indians enter the postseason with confidence after another strong season under Coach Heath Webb. Lumpkin’s identity remains their physical rushing attack behind Nolan Matthews and Mason Hester. They’ll face one of the most tradition-rich programs in Georgia in the Calhoun Yellow Jackets, who boast playoff experience and explosive offense.

For Lumpkin, the formula is simple — control the line of scrimmage, keep Calhoun’s playmakers on the sideline, and make this a fourth-quarter game. The Indians have shown they can do it before, hanging tough against higher-seeded teams when their defense forces turnovers.

Prediction:
Calhoun is the favorite, but Lumpkin’s senior class is built for moments like this. Expect a gritty effort from the Indians that keeps things close deep into the game.
Pick: Calhoun 28, Lumpkin County 21

Gilmer Bobcats at Douglass (Atlanta) Tigers

Preview:
Few stories in North Georgia football are better than Gilmer’s resurgence. The Bobcats have clawed their way into back-to-back playoff appearances behind a balanced offense and a hard-nosed defense that plays bigger than its size. Douglass is athletic and battle-tested, but the Tigers haven’t seen many teams as fundamentally sound as Gilmer.

If the Bobcats can establish the run early and keep Douglass from getting out in space, this one could tilt in Gilmer’s favor. The trenches will be key — and that’s where Gilmer’s blue-collar toughness shines.

Prediction:
Don’t be surprised if this one comes down to a late drive or turnover. The Bobcats have enough grit to pull a mild upset.
Pick: Gilmer 24, Douglass 20

Fannin County Rebels at Northeast (Macon) Raiders

Preview:
Fannin County makes the long road trip south to Macon looking to recapture some of that 2020-21 playoff magic. The Rebels have battled through injuries and a tough region slate but remain a disciplined team with playoff experience. Northeast brings speed and size, but their offense has struggled when forced into long drives.

If Fannin’s defense can bend but not break and their running game controls tempo, the Rebels could frustrate the Raiders and steal momentum. Don’t underestimate the “Rebel Tough” mindset — this program lives for playoff football.

Prediction:
It’s a tall task on the road, but expect Fannin to make this one far more competitive than most expect.
Pick: Northeast 31, Fannin County 21

Pickens Dragons at Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes

Preview:
Pickens has quietly become one of the most improved teams in 3A. The Dragons’ offense has found rhythm late in the season, and their defense — anchored by a strong linebacker corps — will be key against Monroe Area’s ground attack. The Purple Hurricanes are fast and physical, but Pickens’ fundamentals and balance could make this one a nail-biter.

A big performance from the Dragons’ offensive line and a few chunk plays downfield could be the difference. This team has proven it can hang with anyone when they protect the football.

Prediction:
Monroe Area gets the home-field edge, but Pickens’ grit makes this one a toss-up.
Pick: Monroe Area 27, Pickens 24